Thrash metal legends Megadeth have settled their lawsuit with The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! album designer Brent Elliott White, who claimed he was never paid by the band and alleged copyright infringement. On May 11, the two parties filed a joint notice of settlement and stated that "the parties have reached an agreement in principle for the resolution of this action," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
White's attorney confirmed that "the matter has been resolved amicably."
The artist claimed back in February he "created artwork and characters over time for Megadeth that have become an integral part of the band's identity" without being paid. White said he was originally contacted by the band in early 2020 to create the artwork and, after agreeing to work with Megadeth, did not receive or sign a written contract. White claims the artwork went through "multiple revisions and edits and hundreds of hours of work."
White used New York's Freelance Isn't Free act, which requires a written contract and requires "timely and full payment" for any work over $800.
As was originally covered by Metal Injection in February, in June 2022, White was contacted by Megadeth manager Bob Johnsen to create additional artwork for the band's upcoming tour. At that time, White mentioned to Johnsen that there was still no contract in place for his work, to which White claims Johnsen responded "I know album release time is hectic but I have to mention that any send off, including album art, is contingent on compensation and contract. So we're going to have to sort that out soon." White also claims Johnsen then said that "no one intended to not have this papered by now' and he 'would bring it up the right way.'"
White then claims that when the first single from The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! was released through Rolling Stone, he was not credited as the artist responsible for any of the artwork. White claims to have contacted UMG, saying that without any agreement or signed contract, he was still the owner of the artwork and that the label was then infringing upon his copyright. White further claims that he was still not paid or given a contract upon the release of The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! later in 2022.
The report also states that both parties will file a stipulation of dismissal in the next 30 days.
